Preparing for the Summer Camp Experience

At camp, kids develop companionship and learn skills that enhance self-reliance, cooperation and interdependence. These skills will remain with them into adulthood. Before camp begins, there are some preparations to consider that may make the camp experience more fun and rewarding.

Consider camp as a learning experience. This is an opportunity for a student to explore a world bigger than his/her neighborhood and a chance for parent and child to practice "letting go." Letting go allows children to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative and more.

Prepare for camp together. Decisions about camp should be a joint venture, keeping in mind the childs maturity. If a child feels a part of the decision-making process, the chances of having a positive experience will improve.

Talk about concerns. As the first day of camp nears, some children experience uneasiness about going away. Talk about these feelings. Communicate confidence in his/her ability to deal with being away from home.

Have realistic expectations. Camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Every moment is not filled with wonder and excitement. Encourage children to have a reasonable and realistic view of camp. Discuss both the ups and downs the child may encounter. Make sure the child does not feel pressured to succeed at camp. For the child, the main purpose of camp is to experience new things and have fun.

This summer, millions of children will get their first taste of independence at a summer resident camp. For some, it will also be their first experience with "homesickness", which can take the form of stomachaches, headaches, occasional misbehavior ( in hopes of being sent home) or even statements about "hating" camp. Most kids need a couple of days to adjust to life at camp and being away from home.

Parents don't have to feel helpless when homesickness strikes. The prescription for homesickness is a simple solution of preparation and patience. Overcoming homesickness and learning to care for oneself are important challenges that can be faced at camp.

• Encourage your child's independence throughout the year. Practice separations, such as sleep overs at a friend's house, can simulate the camp environment


• Discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves


• Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other. If your child's camp has a "no phone calls" policy, honor it. (A.W.P. has a "no phone calls" policy.)


• Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp. Acknowledge, in a positive way, that you will miss your child. For example, you can say "I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp."


• Don't bribe. Linking a successful stay at camp to a material object sends the wrong message. The reward should be your child's new found confidence and independence.


• Pack a personal item from home, such as a stuffed animal.


• Don't tell your child that you will "rescue" him/her from camp if he/she doesn't like camp and resist the temptation to do so.


• If a "rescue call" comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective. Avoid the temptation to take the child home early.


• Acknowledge your child's feelings and communicate your love. You might say, "If you still feel this way in two days, we'll discuss what we can do."


• Support your child's efforts to work out the problems with the help of the camp staff.


• Talk candidly with the camp director to obtain his/her perspective on your child's adjustment.


• Remind him/her, if necessary, that he/she has made a commitment.


• Don't feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp. For many children, camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development.


• Trust your instincts. While most incidents of homesickness will pass in a day or two, the occasional child who is truly not adjusting to camp life at all should be allowed to return home after a reasonable amount of time and effort. However, don't make your child feel like a failure if their stay at camp is cut short. Focus on the positive and encourage your child to try camp again next year.